🇨🇳 Top 10 Suburbs for Chinese in Melbourne
Melbourne's Chinese community is centred on the eastern suburbs, stretching from Box Hill through Doncaster to Glen Waverley. These suburbs have developed into self-sustaining Chinese cultural hubs with restaurants, supermarkets, and community organisations. This ranking uses ABS Census 2021 ancestry data.
Box Hill VIC 3128
Melbourne's undisputed Chinese capital at 46.6%. The Box Hill Central precinct is a dense cluster of Chinese restaurants, Asian supermarkets, and services that functions as Melbourne's de facto second Chinatown. The station provides direct CBD access, and new high-rise developments continue to reshape the skyline.
Doncaster East VIC 3109
With nearly 11,750 Chinese-ancestry residents making up 38.0% of the population, Doncaster East is one of Melbourne's largest Chinese communities. The suburb's family homes, quality schools (including Doncaster Secondary), and shopping at The Pines draw families seeking established eastern suburbs living.
Glen Waverley VIC 3150
Home to over 16,000 Chinese-ancestry residents — the largest absolute number in Melbourne. Glen Waverley's Kingsway strip is a renowned Asian dining destination, and the suburb's schools (including the selective Glen Waverley Secondary) are a major drawcard. At 38.0%, Chinese culture is deeply woven into the suburb's identity.
Doncaster VIC 3108
The Westfield Doncaster hub anchors this 36.6% Chinese-ancestry suburb. Doncaster offers a mix of established family homes and newer apartment developments, with excellent road connections via the Eastern Freeway. Chinese restaurants and businesses cluster around the shopping centre precinct.
Box Hill North VIC 3129
Extending from Box Hill's commercial centre, this residential suburb has 34.5% Chinese ancestry. Quieter streets and more spacious homes attract families who want proximity to Box Hill's amenities without living in the high-rise core. Good schools and parks add to the appeal.
Balwyn VIC 3103
One of Melbourne's most prestigious suburbs, Balwyn's 34.4% Chinese ancestry reflects the community's investment in premium real estate and elite schools. Large period homes on tree-lined streets, the Balwyn Cinema strip, and proximity to leading private schools make it aspirational.
Balwyn North VIC 3104
At 32.0%, Balwyn North extends the eastern suburbs's Chinese corridor further north. The suburb is known for the Greythorn shopping strip, excellent primary schools, and family-sized homes. It offers a quieter, more residential alternative to nearby Box Hill and Doncaster.
Melbourne VIC 3000
The CBD itself hosts 30.5% Chinese ancestry among its 55,000 residents — over 16,700 people. International students, young professionals, and long-term residents create a diverse Chinese community. Chinatown on Little Bourke Street remains the cultural and culinary heart.
Burwood East VIC 3151
Positioned between Box Hill and Glen Waverley, Burwood East has 30.4% Chinese ancestry. The Burwood One shopping centre and proximity to Deakin University attract a mix of families and students. Quieter and more affordable than its neighbours, it's a practical choice.
Vermont South VIC 3133
Rounding out Melbourne's top 10, Vermont South offers 30.1% Chinese ancestry in a leafy, established setting. The Vermont South Shopping Centre and proximity to the 75 tram terminus provide local amenities, while the suburb's parks and quiet streets appeal to families seeking space.
📊 Methodology
Rankings are based on the proportion of residents who reported Chinese ancestry in the ABS Census 2021. Only suburbs within the Greater Melbourne area with a population of 500+ were included. "Chinese ancestry" refers to self-reported ancestry, which may differ from country of birth. A person can report up to two ancestries in the Census.